Heidi Dover, RN – The Troy Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses – December 2009 – Troy Beaumont Hospital

Heidi is a wonderful example of nursing excellence. Passion, dedication, integrity and respect are not just words that she lives by, but they are words that perfectly describe her. Throughout the busy day good moments frequently happen, but great moments are moments she delivers on a consistent basis. Heidi does not just touch her patients lives she touches their spirits.

One of her patients wrote: Just thought I would let you know about the angel of mercy that picked me up from the depths of despair today. Today was one of the most trying days that I can remember having. I had to digest some very hard to swallow medical news. I was at the end of my rope. I was sobbing when Heidi walked in. When she saw that I was in such distress she immediately comforted me. She was able to pick me up from the depths and gave me hope. Heidi’s ability to do that at that moment was a great achievement. She was a godsend. I don’t know if I could have felt better if Heidi hadn’t had the bedside manner to lift my spirits as tactfully and compassionately as she handled my situation. She even made it possible for my husband to bring my puppy in to see me. That was just what I needed. She held my hand. She hugged me while I sobbed. Without her today, I still would be a mess. Please acknowledge her skills and reward her with praise. She is a vital member of your registered nursing staff. If I were running the nursing staff I would have her hold a little training class for new recruits to learn this skill. Her ability to help a patient in that shape and to have the outcome she made possible should be taught to all of your nursing staff. I